A CHARITY that helps people with disabilities or mental health issues has received a grant to help further its horticultural work.
The Ridgeline Trust, based in Whiteknights Road in Reading, is the latest recipient of a £1,000 covid relief fund donation from The John Sykes Foundation.
The charity helps people learn new skills, regain lost skills, and improve mental, social, and physical health through horticultural therapy in their gardens in East Reading.
The Trust applied for a grant to enable its Social Prescribing Project to continue on a weekly basis for 14 clients.
Earlier this month, John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees at the John Sykes Foundation, visited the gardens to present the £1,000 cheque to Sara Uren, chair of trustees, and Ros Richards, a trustee.
Established in 2003, The Ridgeline Trust provides social and therapeutic horticulture sessions benefitting a wide cross-section of the local community many of whom experience moderate to severe health conditions and disabilities.
The sessions are led by four professionally trained horticultural therapists and assisted by around 20 volunteers, supporting up to 55 regular attendees who experience poor mental or physical health and other special needs.
“The patients referred typically experience social isolation, mental health issues and require emotional support and encouragement to participate in activities outside their homes,” Ms Richards said.
“Some also experience physical disabilities which can further increase their isolation. Most are constrained by financial hardship.
“The Social Prescribing Service helps to develop confidence, self-esteem, motivation levels, and positive mental health and wellbeing, as well as offering enhanced social support and networking.”
The clients referred to the project can come from areas of socio-economic deprivation. They access the garden on foot or by bus, initially accompanied by the Social Prescribers for support, and are encouraged to develop a sense of belonging at Ridgeline, of engagement with their fellow gardeners, and to identify and feel proud of their achievements, which are made across the growing year.
“The clients take home fruit and vegetables and craft projects made from leaves or flowers,” Ms Richards said.
“Some bring skills and knowledge which they are encouraged to share with other clients and volunteers, and the enjoyment of being part of a group fosters sustained attendance.”
The charity feels that the gardening activities bring mental, physical, physiological, and social benefits.
“Whatever their problems and difficulties, they can all expect to gain social and physical benefits, including a sense of community, friendship, confidence-building, and opportunities for meaningful communication and physical exertion through active engagement outdoors,” Ms Richards said.
“Being part of a gardening team working towards shared aims helps to create a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and achievement, all of which are found to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.
“A further benefit is the potential for reduced demand on secondary mental health services and social care likely to be needed by the beneficiaries.”
And the John Sykes Foundation was pleased to be able to help by providing the grant.
“It is well understood that gentle exercise, fresh air, social activities, and connection with nature are healthy for one’s mental wellbeing,” Mr Sykes said.
“This, coupled with the support and therapy given by Ridgeline Trust, means that those in need receive the best care, learn new skills, and make new social connections whilst working alongside others to create a sense of community, and provide opportunity for participants to have more meaning, purpose, and achievement in their lives.”
n For more information on the Ridgeline Trust please visit www.ridgelinetrust.org.uk
n Charities and organisations can apply for one of the John Sykes Foundation’s grants. more details can be found at: www.johnsykesfoundation.org
